Democracy review: a breakdown

Following several months of consultation, the Union has released its Democracy Review report and findings, with over 40 recommendations to improve student engagement with the Union.

The report highlights that amongst weaknesses of the Union, low visibility, lack of support for postgraduates, fragmented ways of collecting feedback and data, and inconsistent use of liberation and community networks, are the most prominent.

Across the seven themes for improvement – which are: organisational transparency, officer structure, community organising, council and committee reform, constituent unions, liberation and community approach, and governance – there have been several different methods and approaches to improving or fixing existing issues with the union.

The initial Democracy Review paper proved controversial with a small, but outspoken number of students due to its initial proposal to remove the Deputy President for Finance & Services (DPFS) sabbatical role. Whilst there are no rules against only appointing less than five sabbatical off icers, some students felt that Union staff had encroached upon the DPFS’s portfolio, and thus students did not have an effective advocate for them when operating student-run events at Union venues.

An open letter, signed by over 100 students led to several last-minute amendments to the paper, as well as the removal of a vote ratifying the recommendations of the democracy review. Additionally, a last-minute paper brought forward by ICU President Camille Boutrolle called for “Officer Trustees and the Council Chair to lead a process to gather feedback specifically regarding the DPFS recommendation.” The paper passed, leading to feedback sessions occurring in June 2025.

Further to this, Union Council will hold a vote to accept any proposals made through feedback sessions, as well as a paper that amends byelaws and removes the DPFS role.

ICU President Camille Boutrolle said: “Our approach is grounded in ensuring both “bottom-up” (student-led) and “topdown” (institutionally informed) models of representation. This ensures that every reform is built not just from data, but from lived student experience.

“We believe that democracy at ICU should reflect the diverse student body it serves and remain relevant, transparent, and empowering. This review is a living process, not a one-off project and we are committed to reviewing its impact regularly and continuing to work alongside students to evolve and improve our structures. The first effectiveness review will take place in the Spring 2026.

“We welcome continued feedback from all students and encourage everyone to participate in upcoming Union Council sessions.